EAC launches new inquiry examining solar energy technologies

In the latest stage of its Technological Innovation and Climate Change inquiry, the Environmental Audit Committee has announced that it is to look at the role onshore solar energy technologies can play in the UK’s journey to net zero.

Electricity generation from solar panels – including their manufacture and construction – are estimated to have a carbon footprint up to 20 times lower than coal or gas with carbon capture and storage.

The technology of photovoltaic cells is a fast-developing area: current and emerging technologies appear to increase the potential for solar cells on flexible substrates and in locations with varying amounts of light.

Numerous energy storage technologies are under development in the UK that can provide the surplus energy from solar panels when it is most needed.

The rising cost of living is thought to be contributing to the increase in demand for solar panels on residential and commercial properties. The Committee is keen to consider whether market capacity for supply and installation is sufficient to meet this demand.

In its British Energy Security Strategy, the Government outlined plans to increase solar capacity to 70GW by 2035, with initiatives including amending planning rules for ground-mounted solar. 75 onshore solar projects were included in the Contracts for Difference allocation round 4 awarded in July 2022.

Environmental Audit Committee Chairman, Rt Hon Philip Dunne MP, said: “The amount of energy from the sun that strikes the Earth in a single hour is greater than the amount the global population consumes in a year. Developing solar technologies for domestic and large-scale use provides a major opportunity to harness this energy, building up domestic energy resilience and helping to meet the UK’s net zero goals. The UK is way behind other countries in deployment of solar energy generation. Our Committee wants to find out why, and how we can light the way to a new solar dawn.

“Can the supply chain support the anticipated increase in demand for solar installations in response to the rising cost of living and the drive to reach net zero? Is current storage and distribution capacity limiting the country’s potential to develop solar energy? Are current incentives sufficient to drive the level of progress required, and what barriers are preventing more rapid uptake?

“During our short inquiry we will be considering these issues with experts before putting our findings to Government. I welcome anyone with views on the potential for solar energy deployment to get in touch with the Committee.”